What is an electrogastrogram?

An electrogastrogram is similar to an electrocardiogram (EKG) of the
heart. It is a recording of the electrical signals that travel
through the muscles of the stomach and control the muscles'
contraction.

When is an electrogastrogram used?

An electrogastrogram is used when there is a suspicion that the
muscles of the stomach or the nerves controlling the muscles are not
working normally. Usually this suspicion arises when there is a
problem with recurrent nausea and vomiting, signs that the stomach is
not emptying food normally. If the electrogastrogram is abnormal, it
confirms that the problem probably is with the stomach's muscles or
the nerves that control the muscles. The electrogastrogram can be
considered an experimental procedure since its exact role in the
diagnosis of diseases of the stomach has not been defined yet.

How is an electrogastrogram done?

For an electrogastrogram, several electrodes are taped onto the
abdomen over the stomach in the same manner as electrodes on the
chest for an electrocardiogram. The electrodes sense the electrical
signals coming from the stomach's muscles, and the signals are
recorded on a computer for analysis. Recordings are made both
fasting and after a meal with the patient lying quietly. The study
takes two or three hours.

How are the results of the electrogastrogram evaluated?

In normal individuals there is a regular electrical rhythm generated
by the muscles of the stomach--just as in the heart--and the power
(voltage) of the electrical current increases after the meal. In
patients with abnormalities of the muscles or nerves of the stomach,
the rhythm often is irregular or there is no post-meal increase in
electrical power.

Are there any side effects of an electrogastrogram?

There are no side effects. The study is painless.

Are there alternatives to the electrogastrogram?

No, there are no alternatives; however, other studies, for example,
antro-duodenal motility studies or gastric emptying studies may give
additional information since abnormal electrical activity of the
stomach often results in abnormal muscular activity and reduced
emptying of food from the stomach.

Medically reviewed by Martin E Zipser, MD; American board of Surgery

REFERENCE:

"Electrogastrography: Methodology, Validation and Applications"
U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health